Thailand Pursues Tourism Expansion From Songkran to ‘Hidden Gems’

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11 March 2025, 19:13

BANGKOK — The Thai government is intensifying efforts to stimulate the economy through tourism this year. Beyond preparations for Songkran, Thailand’s highlight festival, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is also urging the promotion of “must-visit” cities across Thailand following her return from ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chaired a meeting at Government House on March 11 to prepare for the upcoming Songkran water festival, which will take place next month across Thailand.

The meeting included key officials: Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakitkosol, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Deputy Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, and other relevant working groups.

paetong tourism meeting — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra chairs a meeting at Government House on March 11, 2025, to prepare for the upcoming Songkran water festival

Songkran Festival to Remain “Grand”

The Prime Minister expressed her desire to make this year’s Songkran celebration as grand as last year’s and emphasized a strategy to spread festivities throughout the entire month across all five regions of the country.

“We want tourists to have options beyond just Bangkok or major cities,” the Prime Minister stated. “By staggering celebrations throughout the month, starting from early April through the main Songkran days and the subsequent ‘Wan Lai’ festivities, we can encourage visitors to extend their stay in Thailand.”

For Bangkok’s Sanam Luang, the Prime Minister confirmed that the central celebration will maintain its grand scale, aiming to cement Thailand’s Songkran as a world-class festival that increasingly attracts international tourists to experience authentic Thai traditions each year.

paetong tripcom — Prime Minister meets with trip.com executives in Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany. March 6, 2025.

Government Pushes “Must-Visit” Cities

Meanwhile, the PM is urging promotion of “must-visit” cities in Thailand after returning from ITB Berlin, where strong European interest generated 70,000 business deals and an estimated turnover of 4.4 billion baht ($130 million).

The government has declared 2025 as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year. This year, Thailand reserved nearly the entire exhibition hall at ITB, providing extensive space to display the nation’s potential.

Cooperation came from both the private sector and citizens, as well as from 160 tourism-related representatives from various Thai provinces. The government has placed a strong emphasis on soft power as Thailand’s main selling point this year.

paetong itb berlin2 — Muay Thai shows at the Thailand Pavilion in ITB Berlin 2025 at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Ground, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany. March 6, 2025.

The PM further stated that the government has made a concerted effort to support tourism operators from 18 “must-visit” provinces in 2025: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Sukhothai, Phrae, Lampang, Satun, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo.

These tour operators had the opportunity to conduct business negotiations with travel agents and present their special charms to travelers who are looking for new destinations and connect the big cities with these “must-visit” places.

Hidden Gems’ Strategy Gains Traction

The “Hidden Gems Cities” presentation in Thailand attracted top travel agents from countries and territories such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, the United Kingdom, China, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Australia and the United States.

All expressed excitement about Thailand’s promotion of these hidden gems and saw it as a great opportunity to strengthen the ability of Thai tour operators to effectively engage in international business conversations.

paetong itb berlin1 — PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends the Amazing Thailand Networking Event at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin 2025 (ITB Berlin 2025) at CityCube, Berlin, Germany, March 5, 2025.

Reportedly, over 70,000 deals have already been concluded, with average spending at over 60,000 baht per person per trip, which means an initial revenue of about 4.4 billion baht for Thailand. In addition, there will certainly be further negotiations and contracts within three to six months after the event.

Tourism Stands as Key Economic Driver

The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to follow up on the results and further promote Thailand’s wide range of tourist attractions and amenities to further boost the country’s economy.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has reported that 35.54 million foreign tourists visited Thailand in 2024, generating a total revenue of 1.67 trillion baht (approximately $47.7 billion USD). Tourism revenue accounts for 20% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

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CP Foods Showcases AI, Automation for Animal Welfare and Sustainable Food

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MC Marketing

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11 March 2025, 17:39

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) participated in the International Poultry Forum 2025 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, showcasing its sustainable broiler farming model that integrates AI technology and automation systems. These innovations promote animal welfare aligned with the internationally recognized “Five Freedoms” standards, ensuring healthy growth, superior meat quality free from harmful residues, and consumer confidence worldwide.

Dr. Payungsak S. Tanagul, DVM, Deputy Director of Farm Standards and Regulation at CP Foods, joined the panel discussion on “Sustainable Broiler Farming: A Case Study of CPF Thailand.” He presented CP Foods’ best practices for sustainable poultry farming, emphasizing animal welfare through Smart Farming solutions that incorporate IoT and AI technology. These technologies enhance precision animal care throughout every farming stage, including automated feeding systems for appropriate feed distribution, constant access to clean water, and intelligent environmental controls managing temperature and humidity, optimizing conditions for poultry at various growth stages.

AI and automation technologies support the “Five Freedoms” by alleviating hunger and thirst through automated feeding and watering systems, ensuring comfort via automated environmental controls, real-time health monitoring, stress reduction through enrichment tools, and encouraging animals’ natural behaviors. Consequently, these technologies promote animal health, reduce illness, and minimize medication use.

“Healthy animals grow robustly, significantly reducing antibiotic use and ensuring high-quality, residue-free chicken meat. This builds consumer confidence and fosters comprehensive sustainability in economic, social, and environmental dimensions,” said Dr. Payungsak.

Furthermore, CP Foods’ contract farmers have adopted these technologies, significantly reducing disease outbreak risks. This enables farmers to produce high-quality chicken that meets stringent safety standards, ensuring safe products for Thai consumers, stable income for farmers, and supporting sustainable growth in Thai agriculture.

The International Poultry Forum 2025 is being held on March 11, 2025, at Jupiter Room 8, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The event is a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among poultry industry experts from across Asia and China, alongside poultry industry supply chains. Concurrently held with VIV Asia, the forum focuses on global and regional poultry industry development, emerging technologies and innovations, poultry meat and egg consumption trends, poultry disease prevention, and market opportunities and challenges in Asia.

Dulwich College International School Bangkok Announces Adam Gibson as Founding Head

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MC Marketing

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11 March 2025, 16:20

BANGKOK – Leading education group Education in Motion (EiM) is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Gibson as Founding Head of College for Dulwich College International School Bangkok (Dulwich Bangkok). With an exemplary career encompassing international and independent sectors, Adam brings an abundance of experience and a deep dedication to educational excellence as he prepares to lead the newest Dulwich College International school.

Opening in Bang Na, August 2026, Dulwich Bangkok is the latest addition to the distinguished global family of Dulwich international schools spanning Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing and Suzhou. Dulwich Bangkok will bring 400 years of heritage from its founding school in London, combined with over twenty years of educational excellence in international colleges across Asia, to provide an exceptional learning experience.

As Founding Head of College, Adam Gibson will shape the school’s strategic vision, designing an outstanding learning culture and environment for students and families seeking a world-class international education.

A Proven Leader in Global Education

Originally from the UK, Adam brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in educational leadership. Adam holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship from the National College for School Leadership, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Education at Cambridge University.

Adam served as Head of a leading preparatory school in Devon in the south-west of England before moving to Wellington School, Somerset, where he was Head of Prep for ten years.

This was followed by a successful tenure as Head of Prep and Acting Head of Pre-Prep at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, where he played a pivotal role in developing the school’s curriculum, ethos, and pastoral care systems. His global perspective and commitment to academic excellence make him an ideal leader for Dulwich Bangkok, which will provide a dynamic and enriching curriculum tailored to the needs of families looking for an outstanding international education that supports children from the age of 3 through to 18 years old.

Beyond his leadership roles, Adam is a recognised thought leader in education. He frequently contributes to media discussions and has helped develop teaching materials for the UK Government’s national strategies. As a school inspector for educational quality and statutory compliance, and a founding trustee of a multi-academy trust, Adam has demonstrated a deep understanding of what makes a school truly exceptional.

Speaking about his new role, Adam expressed his excitement for the journey ahead:

“I am incredibly honoured to be leading Dulwich College International School Bangkok as its Founding Head of College. I believe in creating a school environment where students are inspired to think critically, develop their passions, and become confident, compassionate global citizens. My passion for education burns as brightly today as ever, and I look forward to working with families in Bangkok to build a world-class learning community.”

A World-Class Campus Designed for Excellence

Bangkok has long been recognised as a thriving centre of international education, home to some of the best schools in Asia. Dulwich Bangkok will be one of the most advanced and inspiring schools in the region, designed to foster academic excellence, creativity, and student wellbeing.

Set within a spacious, green campus, the school will blend state-of-the-art educational facilities with nature-rich surroundings, creating an atmosphere that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and personal growth.

At the heart of the Dulwich vision is a commitment to sustainability and student wellbeing. Leading the industry in eco-friendly architecture, the campus will be built with cutting-edge technology that incorporates green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable design principles to reduce its environmental footprint. The school’s well-ventilated classrooms and natural light will integrate air purification systems to protect children from seasonal pollution.

Shaded outdoor learning areas and healthy, green spaces ensure students thrive in a setting that prioritises physical and mental wellbeing. The campus design emphasises Dulwich’s unique student-centred approach, featuring a dedicated “village centre” that supports learning and holistic development.

The campus will also house world-class sports, performing arts, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) facilities, reinforcing Dulwich’s commitment to a well-rounded education. With dedicated innovation labs, music and art studios, and premier sports facilities, students will have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build confidence for future success.

The first phase of development will accommodate up to 1,000 students, providing a nurturing environment for Early Years and Junior School students aged 3 to 11. Subsequent phases will expand offerings, paving the way for post-secondary success to leading global higher education institutions. EiM has partnered with Sakol Sathapat, a prominent Thailand-based developer associated with Chansamorn Wattanavekin’s family, to make this vision of Dulwich Bangkok a reality.

With Dulwich College International expanding its presence in Asia, Dulwich Bangkok is proud to be part of this leading network of institutions, contributing to the rich educational landscape whilst offering a distinctive, academically rigorous, and values-driven approach that will prepare students for success and fulfilment on the global stage. Adam Gibson’s leadership will play a pivotal role in establishing a school that upholds the Dulwich tradition of academic excellence and innovation that also embraces the unique opportunities of Bangkok’s vibrant international community.

For more information about Dulwich College International School Bangkok, please visit

https://bangkok.dulwich.org/

School Location

Soi Ramkhamhaeng 2, Dok Mai, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 Thailand

https://maps.app.goo.gl/prUkLfnGbN5UEJCx8

Thai-US Sting Operation Nets Dark Web German Operator

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Khaosod English

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11 March 2025, 15:08

BANGKOK — Thai police and US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have jointly apprehended a German national who operated multiple dark web sites distributing child sexual abuse material, officials announced at a press conference today at CIB.

The suspect, identified only as Steffen, was arrested on March 5 in Chonburi province after a months-long international investigation. Authorities seized computer servers, laptops, mobile phones, storage devices, bank accounts, and other evidence totaling 36 items. Digital forensic examination uncovered more than 140,000 files containing illicit material.

According to Police Lieutenant Jirayu Wongwiwat, deputy inspector at TCSD, the investigation began in December 2024 when HSI contacted Thai authorities about suspicious dark web activities linked to Thailand.

german cyber crime3 — Aaron Macelus (third from right), HSI Attaché, attends the press conference alongside Police Major General Athip Pongsiwapai of Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) at the Central Investigation Bureau on March 11.

The subsequent investigation identified Steffen, a retired programmer who had moved to Thailand and established two dark web sites with over 5,000 videos, primarily featuring minors.

The sites operated on a subscription model requiring cryptocurrency payments, with a minimum entry fee of $10 in Bitcoin or Monero. Investigators found that the suspect had approximately 10,000 members on his platforms. After receiving cryptocurrency payments, Steffen would transfer funds through multiple digital wallets before converting them to Thai baht for personal use. Authorities estimate his earnings from these operations at around $100,000.

german cyber crime2 — Screenshot showing the interface of one of the dark web platforms operated by the suspect, with sensitive content redacted. The site was one of two containing over 5,000 illegal videos.

During questioning, Steffen admitted to using his programming expertise to create and manage the websites using Tor control panel and WampServer software. Investigators also discovered he was selling spyware through the dark web for $16.95 per month (approximately 572 baht), which could capture phone conversations, keystrokes, notifications, location data, and access files on compromised devices.

The suspect faces multiple charges including possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, importing and exporting illicit content, operating a commercial enterprise involving exploitation material, and inputting illegal computer data accessible to the public.

Officials explained that Steffen, who had also overstayed his visa, will be prosecuted in Thailand since the crimes were committed in Thailand. After the court’s judgment, he must serve his sentence in Thailand before being deported and subsequently blacklisted.

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Romanian Ambassador Leads Inspiring Embassy Talk at IC-KMUTNB

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MC Marketing

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11 March 2025, 15:06

The International College of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) hosted a special session “Embassy Talk: Insight into Romania’s Trade Landscape and Cultural Heritage“. The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mrs. Daniela-Brînduşa Băzăvan, the Ambassador of Romania to Thailand, alongside her esteemed team. This engaging lecture brought Romania closer to the hearts of attendees by fostering a deeper understanding of its vibrant cultural and economic significance.

The Romanian delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Teravuti Boonyasopon, Chairman of KMUTNB Council, along with key members of the university’s executive team, including Prof. Dr. Saowanit Sukparungsee, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichet Sriyanyong, Vice President for International Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pianpool Kamoljitprada, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Achareeya Robkit, Dean of the International College. Their participation highlighted the importance of building academic and cultural partnerships.

During the talk, the Ambassador captivated the audience with her insights into Romania’s trade environment, showcasing the country’s strategic importance as a gateway to Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea. Additionally, the discussion illuminated Romania’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, creating opportunities for collaboration.

Representing Romanian’s business community in Thailand is Mr. Alexandru Comanescu from AIO, a start-up employing artificial intelligence to revolutionize fashion design, production and sales. Mr. Comanescu provided an inspiring presentation on how AI-powered solutions can enhance creativity and efficiency in the fashion industry. He showcased the innovative approach of reimagining traditional Romanian “ie” garments—iconic embroidered blouses—into modern fashion pieces, skillfully bridging heritage and contemporary design.

The highlight of the event was the celebration of Romania’s culture, particularly through the Mărțișor Spring Festival, which honors the arrival of spring and the role of women in society. As part of their efforts to bring Romania closer to the audience, the delegation shared traditional Romanian snacks, including saratele, a savory Romanian cheese stick, and cornulețe, a delightful crescent-shaped pastry filled with prune jam. These treats offered attendees a memorable taste of Romania’s rich culinary heritage.

The Embassy Talk was attended by executives, faculty, and students, particularly from the International Trade and Business Logistics (ITBL) program. The session inspired participants to appreciate the value of international cooperation and cultural exchange, connecting academic learning with real-world applications.

The Embassy Talk initiative at KMUTNB continues to be a cornerstone of the International College of KMUTNB’s efforts to promote global awareness and nurture future leaders in international business. By sharing Romania’s cultural richness and economic potential, the event not only strengthened ties between Thailand and Romania but also left a lasting impression on the hearts of all attendees.

Marriott and Man United Offer Fans Gary Neville-Inspired Captain’s Suite Stay

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Contributor

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11 March 2025, 13:56

One lucky fan will meet the iconic player, sleep over in the revamped Marriott Hotels’ Suite of Dreams at Old Trafford, and take in the matchday experience of the Manchester Derby

Through their exclusive partnership with Manchester United, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and Marriott Hotels announce the beloved Suite of Dreams will be reimagined for its fifth year as “The Captain’s Suite” and pay tribute to one of the club’s most decorated legends, Gary Neville. Set within the storied Old Trafford stadium, The Captain’s Suite will celebrate Neville’s illustrious career making over 600 appearances with Manchester United, serving as club captain for five years, and winning eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups, as well as the International Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Starting today, Manchester United fans can enter to win a one-night-stay in this iconic Marriott Hotels’ suite before cheering on Manchester United against Manchester City this April. The winner and a guest will sit down with Gary himself to hear stories from his years with the Club and what inspired the unique items in the decked-out suite. From iconic jerseys, medals, trophies and more, every piece within the suite has a story making this an unforgettable experience. Some unique items within include:

Entertainment Center: Packed with DVDs and books of classic Manchester United stories, matches and content, and a record player with Gary’s favorite vinyls.
Memorabilia Wall: Explore cases of cherished memories and iconic moments from Gary’s tenure as a caption.
Gary’s Snack Bar: An array of Gary’s go-to sweet treats, both from his current cravings and when he was touring with the team.

“I’ve been working with Marriott in Manchester now for many years and wanted to thank Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Hotels for creating such an extraordinary tribute, and for allowing United fans the chance to experience it,” said Neville. “The Captain’s Suite is a celebration of all the special moments I have had both at Old Trafford and beyond. I can’t wait to meet the lucky fans who stay here and exchange stories about my time on the pitch and their devotion to the Club.”

The full experience for the winner and a guest will include a one-night stay in The Captain’s Suite, a Museum and Stadium tour of Old Trafford, and two tickets to the Manchester Derby. Fans must be a Marriott Bonvoy member to win and can sign up at marriottbonvoy.com. To enter, visit manutd.com/CaptainsSuite.

“The Captain’s Suite offers passionate fans a chance to step into the rich history of Manchester United through the eyes of renowned player Gary Neville,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience our guests will remember whether checking in at one of our Marriott Bonvoy properties across 10,000 destinations or cheering on Manchester United as they take to the pitch at Old Trafford.”

The Captain’s Suite is just one of many experiences Marriott Bonvoy offers to bring fans closer to their passion for football and Manchester United. Through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, Marriott Bonvoy members can bid their points earned from travel and everyday activities for upcoming experiences on the platform. Currently, members can bid for a chance to play in a football match at Old Trafford Stadium coached by Manchester United Legends. The experience will include accommodation and tickets to a match. See more Marriott Bonvoy and Manchester United Moments here.

KMUTNB Hosts iEECON 2025: Advancing Global Carbon Neutrality

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MC Marketing

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11 March 2025, 13:55

During 5 – 7 March 2025, at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, organized the 13th International Electrical Engineering Congress 2025 (iEECON 2025) in collaboration with the Electrical Engineering Academic Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE Thailand Section, IEEE Power and Energy Society and IEE Photonics Society).

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Somrerk Chandra-ambhorn, Vice President for Research, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cattareeya Suwanasri, Head of Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and chairman of the organizing committee. Over 200 papers from 40 universities in 15 Countries were presented at the iEECON 2025 conference, while the keynote lecture was given by Prof. Dr. Sheng-feng Qin from Northumbria University, England. Besides, the experts from Schneider Electric, Hitachi Energy and National Energy Technology Center were invited to be keynote speakers for the panel discussion on “Innovative Leadership in Carbon Neutrality: Technology, Strategy, and Collaboration.”

Not only serving as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and recent advances in Electrical Engineering, this conference underscores KMUTNB’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the sustainable development and the climate change mitigation through the integration of Electrical Engineering and other disciplines. Also, the iEECON 2025 conference aimed at fostering the KMUTNB global research network and sustaining the university’s research quality in Engineering which achieved the highest score in Thailand according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Fuji Pharma Subsidiary OLIC Enters Women’s Health Market

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Khaosod English

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11 March 2025, 12:46

BANGKOK — OLIC (Thailand) Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is strategically expanding its business focus into the women’s healthcare market with the introduction of several high-quality pharmaceutical products, including an innovative natural estrogen in combined oral contraceptive.

The company, a subsidiary of Japan’s Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd., is leveraging its four decades of manufacturing expertise to transition from being primarily a contract manufacturer to becoming a key player in women’s healthcare across Thailand and ASEAN markets.

“Today, OLIC is ready to become a leader in women’s healthcare by providing high-quality pharmaceutical products,” said Yoshihiro Takada, Managing Director of OLIC Thailand on March 7, 2025. The company’s product portfolio now includes natural estrogen in combined oral contraceptive, endometriosis medication, post-operative pain management treatments, and hormone replacement therapy.

Industry analysts note that this market entry is well-timed. The global women’s healthcare market is projected to reach USD 66 billion by 2033, with gynecological disorders representing the largest segment. In Southeast Asia, the contraceptive market alone is valued at 6 billion baht (approximately USD 170 million), with Thailand accounting for 50% of this market.

Pannavich Chitmetheepong, Pharma Business Unit Director at OLIC, announced that the company’s innovative natural estrogen oral contraceptive is now available at healthcare facilities and leading pharmacies throughout Thailand. He highlighted that the product “exhibits selective actions and improved safety profile, providing a new option for women in Thailand.”

To support its market expansion, OLIC has launched the ‘Be with HER – Empowering Her Health Decisions’ campaign, which includes educational content and engagement activities in collaboration with healthcare partners. This initiative aims to promote women’s health awareness and access to accurate medical information.

OLIC maintains dual operations with manufacturing facilities in Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya Province, and corporate offices in Bangkok’s Mitrtown Office Tower.

The company’s strategic pivot comes amid increasing healthcare expenditures across Southeast Asia and growing consumer demand for specialized women’s health products and services.

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Former Philippine President Duterte Arrested on an ICC Warrant over Drug Killings

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Associated Press

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11 March 2025, 12:24

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s international airport Tuesday on order of the International Criminal Court in connection with a case of crime against humanity filed against him, the Philippine government said.

Duterte was arrested after arriving from Hong Kong and police took him into custody on orders of the ICC, which has been investigating the mass killings that happened under the former president’s deadly crackdown against illegal drugs, President Ferdinand Marcos’ office said in a statement.

“Upon his arrival, the prosecutor general served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant to the former president for the crime of crime against humanity,” the government said. “He’s now in the custody of authorities.”

The surprise arrest sparked a commotion at the airport, where lawyers and aides of Duterte loudly protested that they, along with a doctor and lawyers, were prevented from coming close to him after he was taken into police custody. “This is a violation of his constitutional right,” Sen. Bong Go, a close Duterte ally. told reporters.

AP25070127924900 — Security officers patrol the airport after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested, in Manila, Philippines, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Duterte’s arrest and downfall stunned and drove families of the victims of his bloody crackdowns against illegal drugs to tears.

“This is a big, long-awaited day for justice,” Randy delos Santos, the uncle of a teenager killed by police during an anti-drug operation in August 2017 in the Manila metropolis, told The Associated Press.

“Now we feel that justice is rolling. We hope that top police officials and the hundreds of police officers who were involved in the illegal killings should also be placed in custody and punished,” delos Santos said.

Three of the police officers who killed his nephew, Kian delos Santos, were convicted in 2018 for the high-profile murder, which prompted to Duterte at the time to temporarily suspend his brutal anti-drugs crackdown.

The conviction was one of at least three, so far, against law enforcers involved in the anti-drugs campaign, reflecting the concerns of families of victims of suspected extrajudicial killings that they would not get justice in the Philippines, hence, their decision to seek the help of the ICC.

It was not immediately clear where Duterte was taken by the police. The government said the 79-year-old former leader was in good health.

AP25070119232039 — FILE – Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte speaks inside the Southorn Stadium during a thanksgiving gathering organized by Hong Kong-based Filipino workers for the former populist president in Hong Kong on March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Vernon Yuen, File)

The ICC began investigating drug killings under Duterte from Nov. 1, 2011, when he was still mayor of the southern city of Davao, to March 16, 2019, as possible crimes against humanity. Duterte withdrew the Philippines in 2019 from the Rome Statute in a move human rights activists say was aimed at escaping accountability.

The Duterte administration moved to suspend the global court’s investigation in late 2021 by arguing that Philippine authorities were already looking into the same allegations, arguing the ICC — a court of last resort — didn’t have jurisdiction.

Appeals judges at the ICC ruled in 2023 the investigation could resume and rejected the Duterte administration’s objections. Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects in the most heinous international crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who succeeded Duterte in 2022 and became entangled in a bitter political dispute with the former president, has decided not to rejoin the global court. But the Marcos administration has said it would cooperate if the ICC asks international police to take Duterte into custody through a so-called Red Notice, a request for law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and temporarily arrest a crime suspect.

Chinese Chef and South Asian Overstayers Detained in Phuket

By

Khaosod English

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10 March 2025, 19:55

PHUKET — Immigration Police have arrested a Chinese national for working illegally as a chef and detained two South Asian men for overstaying their visas during a recent operation targeting foreigners suspected of violating immigration laws in Phuket.

On March 10, immigration officers conducted an inspection at a Chinese restaurant in Soi Naka, Wichit Sub-district, Mueang Phuket District, where they discovered a 33-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Mr. Li, preparing food in the kitchen. When officers requested to see his documentation, they found he had entered Thailand on a tourist visa.

Mr. Li admitted to working illegally as a chef at the restaurant for approximately two months without a proper work permit. He was charged with being a foreigner working without a work permit and was transferred to Wichit Police Station for legal proceedings.

The restaurant owner who employed Mr. Li is also facing charges for “hiring a foreigner without a work permit or allowing a foreigner to work beyond permitted rights.”

indian paki phuket — Phuket immigration officers arrest two men; one Indian and one Pakistani, for overstaying their visas on March 10, 2025.

During the same operation, immigration officers arrested two additional foreign nationals for overstaying their visas: Mr. Jay, an Indian national who had overstayed his visa by 668 days and Mr. Shah, a Pakistani national who had overstayed his visa by 92 days.

Both men were charged with “being foreigners entering and staying in the Kingdom after their permission had expired.”

Phuket Immigration Police emphasized the importance of proper accommodation registration, noting that with the high volume of tourists visiting Phuket, this practice helps authorities monitor foreign nationals in the area, investigate potential violations, and ensure the safety of both tourists and residents.

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Songkran Festival to Remain “Grand”

Government Pushes “Must-Visit” Cities

Hidden Gems’ Strategy Gains Traction

Tourism Stands as Key Economic Driver

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